Custom GPTs, Real Results: Real Talk on Scaling CRE with AI

Summary

In this insight-packed episode of The Blueprint Tour, hosts Kenny Shultz and Carter Huddleston sit down with Topher Stephenson, Head of Operations at Aspire Commercial Real Estate, live at the 2024 CREI Summit in Atlanta. With more than a decade in commercial real estate and a sharp eye for scaling brokerage operations, Topher shares how AI is already transforming marketing, operations, and team productivity in the CRE world. From creating custom GPTs and automating video production to the serious risks of prompt injection and AI misuse, this conversation dives deep into the real-world tools and real-world tradeoffs of using AI in your business. Whether you're running a brokerage, consulting on deals, or just trying to keep your ops team ahead of the curve, this episode is a must-listen for the future-minded professional.

Keywords

CREI Summit, commercial real estate, real estate marketing, brokerage operations, Topher Stephenson, Aspire CRE, AI in real estate, custom GPT, prompt injection, Opus Pro, Gamma AI, Nvidia AI, real estate automation, CRE tech, chatGPT for brokers, construction tech, Front App, Otter.ai, real estate systems, content creation, AI security, real estate consulting, Procore, real estate tools, digital transformation

Takeaways

• AI tools like Gamma, Nvidia AI, and Opus Pro can dramatically cut time and cost in marketing and operations.

• Custom GPTs offer scalable solutions for repetitive tasks like press releases, SEO, and video captions.

• Prompt injection attacks are a serious, emerging risk for businesses integrating AI into sensitive workflows.

• Adoption starts with excitement and simplicity—don't overbuild AI tools your team won’t use.

• A culture of experimentation and minimum viable tools helps CRE firms stay lean and tech-forward.

• AI can serve every part of the business—from diagnosing a car problem to tracking deal submittals.

Sound Bites

"AI isn’t replacing your team—it’s making your team more productive."

“Every deal doesn’t need a massive tech solution. Sometimes you just need a GPT that writes press releases.”

“I showed a picture of radiator sludge to ChatGPT—and it gave me the same diagnosis as five mechanics.”

“Prompt injection is real. You can literally hide instructions inside an image’s pixels.”

“If you don’t know how you want it done, you can’t delegate it—even to AI.”

Chapters

1. Welcome and CREI Summit Intro

2. Meet Topher Stephenson

3. AI Tools That Save Time for Brokers

4. Creating Custom GPTs for Real Estate

5. The Power of Simplicity in Tech Adoption

6. Prompt Injection and AI Security Risks

7. Real Stories: Diagnosing a Car with AI

8. Integrating AI into Ops and Marketing

9. Leveraging VA Teams and Custom Workflows

10. Procore, Front App, and Real Estate Automation

11. Training, Culture, and Getting Buy-In for AI

12. Final Thoughts on Scaling Smart with AI

Where to Find Topher Stephenson

Twitter/X . LinkedIn

Where to Find The Blueprint Tour

YouTube · TikTok · TheBPTour.com · Kenny (Host) · Carter (Host)